PhD Fellowship, Scholarships & Research Awards

Applications have now closed.

What are postgraduate scholarships & research awards?

To support your studies and research of the EU we offer domestic tuition fees scholarships and research awards. There is one application form for both options – just tick the appropriate box at the top of the form. The application process is straightforward and simple. However, we strongly advise that you read through the required documents first, get everything ready and then apply as partially completed applications cannot be saved and incomplete applications are not considered. If you have questions at any stage, do not hesitate to talk to us – we are there to help!

In addition to the tuition fees scholarship and research awards we are very happy to offer a PhD Fellowship for 24 months. This is a very special opportunity! Read on to find out if you are eligible and how to apply!

Fees Scholarships
Domestic tuition fees scholarships are available for Hons, taught MA (MEuro), MA or PhD by thesis students. In your application you must include the courses you are enrolled in or are planning to enrol in for the duration of the scholarship. The scholarships cannot cover student services levys, administration fees, late payment penalties, etc.

Research Awards
The awards are designed to support overseas field work for your thesis and are normally awarded to MA or PhD by thesis students. The award can be used to cover economy airfares, accommodation, ground travel and living expenses whilst overseas. It cannot be used to cover living expenses whilst based at your home institution. If possible, costs will be pre-paid by us. In your application, include a draft itinerary of your travel plan, an estimated reasonable budget, and a short explanation as to your choice of location(s).

PhD Fellowship
This PhD Fellowship provides funding for a doctoral student to conduct research in one of the following areas:

The nexus of economics, security and migration, either focused on the EU or linkages between the Asia Pacific and Europe; OR

An aspect of migration challenges and policy responses at national or regional level in Europe, or comparing Europe and the Asia Pacific

The fellowship can be applied to tuition fees, living costs and research, fieldwork & conference participation costs, as agreed with the Project Team and in accordance with funding rules.

Who is eligible?

You must meet some criteria to be eligible to apply:

Eligibility criteria for Scholarships and Research Awards

Applicants must be enrolled (or enrolling) for a post-graduate course of study (Hons, taught MA (MEuro), MA or PhD by thesis, or equivalent) at an EUCN partner university for the 2018/19 academic year.

Research topics must focus on the European Union. Students from all disciplines researching Europe and the EU either within New Zealand or the wider Pacific region are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must be non-EU citizens or hold NZ citizenship or permanent residence (or will gain this by the enrolment date – proof will be required).

Eligibility criteria for PhD Fellowship

The applicant will be registered as a candidate (for a max of 12 months by 01 October 2018) or will be in the process of registering as a candidate for a doctoral degree at a New Zealand university. No award payments will be made before the Fellowship recipient is successfully enrolled for a doctoral degree.

Aside from fieldwork periods, scholars must reside in New Zealand for the duration of the Fellowship.

Research topic must be in the area of

the nexus of economics, security and migration, either focused on the EU or linkages between the Asia Pacific and Europe; OR

an aspect of migration challenges and policy responses at national or regional level in Europe, or comparing Europe and the Asia Pacific

Applicants must be non-EU citizens or hold NZ citizenship or permanent residence (or gain this by the enrolment date – proof will be required)

What are the funding rules?

Here are the main funding rules:

General funding rules

The following rules apply to all funding recipients:

Funding can only be used for the purposes outlined in the application and within the eligibility period.

Only ONE category of costs can be funded during the respective eligibility period: either a tuition fee scholarship OR a research award. Students can apply for both categories but must indicate their preferred funding category.

Funding recipients are expected to demonstrate progress with their studies during the funding period.

Students must attend EU-focused events and seminars at their university.

A copy of the Funding Guidelines (applicable for scholarships and research awards) can be found here.

Particular funding rules for the PhD Fellowship

The PhD Fellowship covers costs of up to NZ$28,000 (NZ$1,167 per month or NZ$14,000 per 12 month period, between 01 September 2018 and 31 August 2020). The Fellowship can be used to cover tuitions fees, living costs or research, fieldwork and conference participation costs. The Fellowship cannot be paid out in cash. The Fellowship will be awarded for one year and will be extended to the maximum of two years, provided that satisfactory progress is maintained.

The Fellowship is tenable with other non-EU funded scholarships, but account will be taken of the circumstances of the scholar and of the desirability of using available funds to best advantage. Within the application candidates are required to make clear their funding situation.

Eligibility period for the Fellowship is 01 September 2018 and 31 August 2020 – all spending must occur within this timeframe. Payment for tuition fees can only be applied on current and future enrolments (not on enrolments before 01 September 2018) and will be paid directly to the university.

The PhD Fellow is responsible for his/her enrolment with the university.

During the course of the PhD Fellowship the following outputs are required as a minimum:

Seminar presentations (one per year)

Presentation of research findings at an international conference (costs are eligible under the Fellowship)

Submission of at least 1 article to a peer-reviewed academic journal or policy review (where appropriate co-authored with the supervising faculty)

Guest lectures in a under- or postgraduate course, disseminating research findings (one lecture per year)

Lecture materials to accompany the guest lecture

How to apply?

Collect the Required Documents (see below) and save them into ONE pdf file (any scanner can do this, if in doubt ask one of the staff to help you).

Complete the online Application Form and upload the pdf file before the submission deadline.

Submit your application.

Ensure your academic referee emails us a pdf of your reference letter or fills in the appropriate form.

Note: You can apply for both a tuition fees scholarship and a research award. You must complete an individual application for both categories. However, successful candidates will receive a maximum of one award (no matter how many applications you put in).

Required Documents

Documents required for tuition fees scholarships or research awards

A one page summary of your thesis research or intended courses of study.
If you have previously received funding from the EUCN or NCRE please outline how your project has progressed. If you apply for a Research Award you must include a draft itinerary included estimated costs and timing. This is not needed if you apply for a tuition fees scholarship.

Your CV which must be no longer than one page in length. Please outline both, your academic and employment/volunteering information, and studies, with particular reference to your research or course of study.

Your academic record (transcript) from your university, containing your academic history.
This must either be signed or certified by the university, a supervisor or administrator with departmental stamp.

Your academic Referee must email us a pdf reference letter or complete the form below.

Documents required for the PhD Fellowship

Applicants must provide:

An outline of the research project, including its relevance to the research topic and your previous studies; describe the research design and proposed methodology which may cover theoretical, empirical and substantive considerations, but needs to contribute to philosophical debates or policy work in the area. (written in a word document, 600 words)

A project timeline and proposed budget on how the Fellowship will be spent (i.e. tuition fees, rent, fieldwork costs, conferences, etc).

Your CV which must be no longer than two pages. Please outline both, your academic and employment/volunteering experience, and studies, with particular reference to your research.